An Orchid Experiment - Is My Flushing Working?

[@rickl.orchids]

......excellent video...those are very low flush #'s........great story, ....and great chat....also proof that using a TDS meter to check the ppm of your mix....is a good growing practice......you dont overfeed and less likely to get salt build up using a meter.....

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

I didn't expect there to be too much of a problem but still worth checking every now-and-then.

[@nadinem1901]

Thanks for the reminder on flushing the orchids in between feeds. The lighting wasn't any issue 🎊🎉🎊

[@gilbertosoriano350]

I am new to orchid keeping and this video is a great help just like all your other videos. Thank you for the great content

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

You're welcome.

[@dgatez73]

Thanks for the experiment. A learning lesson well recieved.

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

You're welcome.

[@michaelmccarthy4077]

if it makes you feel any better, we're quite cold even in south Florida today, low was 8 C and our high will peak around 17. Very sunny but unseasonably cold. For me, unless I have to water in between feed days, my plants get flushed on feed day. I always water the heck out of the plants first with plain water then wait a bit and come back with feed water. My theory in doing it this way is that you're getting the roots hydrated first which makes them more receptive to absorbing nutrients (easier for ion exchange to happen).

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

Worth remembering that there is a maximum saturation level for orchid roots where no more can be absorbed until there is 'room' ie some of that has moved on through transpiration or evaporation? The velamen works like a sponge when dry and takes in 'everything' then the plant sorts out what it needs and what goes where. There is not so much exchange between wet roots and wet media as there is between dry roots and wet media if that makes any sense?

[@michaelmccarthy4077]

@@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai It shouldn't matter if roots are already fully hydrated for nutrient absorption, since it is only ion exchange. In theory, the process should be more efficient when the roots are fully hydrated because the ions travel through water, so having water on both sides of the "membrane" allows them to pass more easily. It probably doesn't make a huge difference either way, whatever works for the grower and ensures the plants are properly flushed is most important.

[@YnseSchaap]

It looks like it's high summer with those lights on

[@OrchidandKitties]

very good video.what is the good number of tds to water orchids?my tap water come #7.is it good or not.if not what should I do to fix it.thank you very much.

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

If you have tap water with a TDS of 7, then use it - it's as good as rain water. Depending on the time of year, I feed at an average of around 150 TDS - higher in the height of the growing season. I do feed often during the growing season with a flush every 4th watering.

[@OrchidandKitties]

@@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai thank you so much for your response.

[@j.d.8075]

The lighting is *REALLY* good... until you said you had the lights on, I didn't realise...

[@catalinacazacu9014]

Hi Roger, can you tell me the name of the first Cattleya you worked with? I have this one without tag. Can you help me please with this information? Thank you very much.

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

That one is Cattleya little Lemon Drops X Cattleytonia Why Not.

[@catalinacazacu9014]

You've just solved a long debate around this little Catt. :))) Thank you so much.

[@prebenbusk3908]

Very interesting video Roger! Can you calibrate your TDS meter so you know you have the right ppm value?

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

I can calibrate it but so far in over 4 years, I haven't had too. It may sound strange, but I use my RO water to make sure the TDS meter is ok - it reads between 8-10 ppm. If that reading starts to get way off, I would first re-calibrate the TDS meter and check again and if was still way off, then the RO unit probably needs the filters/membrane changed.

[@likowahine5825]

It's a lot of work growing them indoors.

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

Sure is.

[@annebroder9902]

Good morning Roger, interesting experiment, thank you for that, it is reassuring. Out of curiosity, what is wrong with your tap water that you must remove with the RO process?

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

My tap water has a TDS of 240 ppm - higher than the level of RO water plus feed - plus the tap water has 'unknown stuff' in it whereas the RO water is pure. If I had very soft tap water. I would probably use it.

[@annebroder9902]

Roger's Orchids Thanks! I guess I should get a TDS device , I hope I can find something reliable!

[@martinspijker9661]

your skin gets a little bit of a pink glow but no difference otherwise

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

Thanks.

[@YnseSchaap]

Ignorence sunt faustitates 😉

[@RogersOrchidsGardenandBonsai]

If this were true, shouldn't there be a lot more happy people around? (teehee)

[@YnseSchaap]

Haven't found the secret yet 😁